Politics · Philippines Bureau
Bangsamoro lawmakers must freely elect their own leaders: Palace
The government's peace adviser on Wednesday emphasized that newly elected members of the Bangsamoro Parliament should have full autonomy in selecting their leadership and regional executive, as the peace process transitions to parliamentary governance.
LSN Philippines ·
COTABATO CITY — Members of the freshly elected Bangsamoro Parliament must enjoy complete freedom in choosing their leaders, including the head of the regional executive, according to Peace Adviser Mel Senen Sarmiento.
"The gains of the peace process must now be carried forward through the parliamentary process," Sarmiento said in a statement released Wednesday. He underscored the importance of allowing parliament members to exercise their democratic right to select their own leadership without external interference.
The remarks come as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) enters a critical phase following recent parliamentary elections. The transition from a transitional authority to an elected parliament represents a significant milestone in the implementation of the Bangsamoro Basic Law and the broader peace agreement.
Sarmiento's statement appears aimed at reaffirming the government's commitment to democratic principles within the autonomous region's governance structure. The peace adviser's emphasis on parliamentary autonomy reflects ongoing efforts to ensure the credibility and legitimacy of BARMM's institutions among stakeholders in the peace process.